Long-awaited cycle link between villages finally completed

Councillor Steve Criswel with councillors from Bluntisham and Earith and local residents on the new cycleway that has just been completed (Image: Archant)

The scheme included the widening of the existing footway between the two villages so it can be shared by cyclists and pedestrians, and new crossing points through Bluntisham.

A new foot and cycle bridge was installed and improvement work was carried out on the Needingworth to Bluntisham cycleway, along with some additional maintenance and major resurfacing work along the A1123.

A total of £1.5million was allocated to complete all elements of the work, from the Department for Transport and the St Ives Market Town Strategy’s sustainable transport funding.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor and local member for Somersham and Earith, Councillor Steve Criswell, said: “This scheme has been a long term aspiration for Bluntisham and Earith parish councils and we’re delighted to see it now complete and open to the public.

“The county and parish councils have been working closely together to progress the various stages of the scheme in a timely and efficient manner, as funding and resources have become available. I’d also like to thank the local landowners for their co-operation which has allowed us to complete this scheme.

“The new cycleway will provide a safer, more attractive pedestrian and cycle route to help local journeys, as well as linking villages along the A1123 between St Ives and Earith.”